Let’s face it.
Short-form content is taking over the internet.
TikTok blew up first, then YouTube Shorts came in hot—and now, if you’re not creating 15 to 60-second videos that slap, you’re probably leaving money on the table. But here’s the million-dollar question:
Between TikTok and YouTube Shorts, which one actually pays more in 2025?
Because we’re not just here for likes—we’re here to make that bag.
Let’s break it all down: from monetization models, creator funds, ad revenue, to brand deals—plus a sneaky but genius tool that makes creating videos wayyy easier (more on that later 👀).
📱 TikTok in 2025: Still a Creator Playground?
TikTok pioneered the short-form revolution, no doubt. In 2025, it remains one of the most downloaded apps globally. But when it comes to how much TikTok pays creators, things are… complicated.
🔄 Monetization Methods on TikTok
In 2025, TikTok creators can make money through:
- The TikTok Creator Rewards Program (the replacement for the old Creator Fund)
- TikTok Creativity Program Beta (longer-form content, >1 minute)
- LIVE Gifts and Coins
- Brand sponsorships and affiliate links
- TikTok Shop (for creators doing e-commerce or affiliate sales)
The new Creator Rewards Program focuses on engagement and watch time, not just views. That’s a step up—but still, most creators aren’t paying their rent with TikTok views alone.
💵 How Much Does TikTok Pay?
Let’s break it down with some averages (2025 estimates):
| Metric | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 million video views | $15 – $40 |
| 1 million followers | $600 – $1,000/month (average) |
| Sponsorship rates (per post) | $200 – $10,000+ |
Unless you’re going viral consistently or landing sweet brand deals, you’re probably not raking in serious cash. TikTok’s rewards are better than before, but still limited compared to other platforms.
▶️ YouTube Shorts in 2025: The Sleeping Giant Woke Up
Back in 2023, YouTube Shorts was still finding its footing. But in 2025?
YouTube Shorts is now fully integrated into YouTube’s powerful monetization system. It’s no longer the “TikTok copycat”—it’s a legit income machine.
🎯 How YouTube Shorts Monetizes Creators
In 2025, YouTube Shorts creators earn through:
- Ad Revenue Share (45% of revenue from ads shown between Shorts)
- YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
- Super Thanks on Shorts
- Brand deals and affiliate links
- YouTube Shopping (merch, products, etc.)
But here’s the game-changer: YouTube pays you even for Shorts views, once you’re in the Partner Program. No need to wait for brand deals or tips from fans.
💸 How Much Does YouTube Shorts Pay?
2025 numbers look way better than before. Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Metric | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 million Shorts views | $50 – $150 |
| 1 million subscribers | $2,000 – $10,000/month (varies) |
| Sponsorships (per Short) | $500 – $15,000+ |
Not to mention—you can repurpose your long-form YouTube content into Shorts for double the income. The ecosystem is built for creators who want to scale.
🥊 TikTok vs YouTube Shorts: Side-by-Side Showdown
| Feature | TikTok | YouTube Shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | Low | High |
| Partner Program | Limited | Extensive (YPP) |
| Monetization Types | Tips, Gifts, Creator Rewards | Ads, Partner Program, Tips |
| Sponsorship Rates | Medium | High |
| Affiliate Potential | Growing | Massive via descriptions |
| Discovery Algorithm | Top-notch | Strong |
| Creator Support | Decent | Better |
| Ease of Video Creation | High | High |
| Platform Longevity | Medium | High |
🧠 But Wait… What If You Don’t Know How to Edit Videos?
Let’s be real—not all of us are Adobe Premiere pros or Final Cut wizards.
And editing videos on your phone can suck the soul out of you.
That’s where InVideo comes in. It’s an insanely useful tool for creators who want to pump out high-quality YouTube Shorts or TikToks without spending 5 hours on editing.
With InVideo, you can:
✅ Turn blog posts into short videos
✅ Use drag-and-drop templates
✅ Add AI voiceovers and subtitles automatically
✅ Create Shorts and TikToks fast—like, really fast
✅ Make content that looks like it came from a marketing agency
We tried it. We’re not looking back.
You can check it out here.
Just don’t tell everyone—we want to keep this top gee tool on the low. 😏
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Pick—Repurpose!
Here’s the smartest move in 2025:
👉 Create one video.
👉 Post it on both TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
👉 Let the algorithms do their thing.
Why choose between platforms when you can dominate both?
Use InVideo to create once, then upload to both platforms and rake in the benefits. Track which one performs better, and double down there.
⚖️ Final Verdict: Which One Pays More in 2025?
Winner: YouTube Shorts 🏆
While TikTok still owns the culture and offers solid brand deal potential, YouTube Shorts takes the crown when it comes to consistent earnings, ad revenue, and platform support for long-term growth.
Plus, YouTube has the infrastructure: searchability, long-form upgrades, and better audience retention tools.
If you’re trying to turn content into cash, YouTube Shorts is where the serious money is flowing in 2025.
🚀 Ready to Make Your Own Viral Shorts?
If you’re not yet creating content in 2025, you’re already late.
But the good news? It’s not too late.
You’ve got the info, the strategies, and now the tools.
All that’s left is action.
So…
🔥 Start creating Shorts or TikToks today
🔥 Use InVideo to cut down editing time
🔥 Post consistently on both platforms
🔥 Monitor which platform pays more for YOU
🔥 Rinse. Repeat. Profit.
Let’s go secure that content bag, gee. 🎬💰
✨ “If you’re not getting paid to post content, you’re just making someone else rich.”
Time to flip the script.
Want more creator tools and content game hacks?
Drop a follow and share this with your content squad. 💥